Microsoft Halt Windows 8.1 Upgrade After Complaints

Microsoft who is struggling to build interest in their Windows 8 OS has been forced to suspend the roll out of an 8.1 upgrade after several problems emerged.

Microsoft said a "limited" number of people had problems with a free software update to one of two versions of Windows 8.1, a revision to Microsoft's year-old Windows 8 operating system for tablets and PCs. Microsoft said the reported problems affected devices running Windows RT, the edition of Windows 8 designed for battery-conserving devices such as tablets.

The problem isn't likely to affect large numbers of people. Sales haven't been strong for PCs powered by Windows RT, including one version of Microsoft's own Surface computing device. But the glitch is a black eye for Microsoft, which has been touting the enhanced features of Windows 8.1 ahead of the important holiday shopping season.

In a statement, Microsoft said, "We are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience. We will provide updates as they become available."